U.S. patent number 10,054,096 [Application Number 14/861,883] was granted by the patent office on 2018-08-21 for vehicle occupant protection and engine idle reduction system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to N4 INNOVATIONS, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Bruce Richard Berkson. Invention is credited to Bruce Richard Berkson.
United States Patent |
10,054,096 |
Berkson |
August 21, 2018 |
Vehicle occupant protection and engine idle reduction system
Abstract
A system for automatically adjusting the temperature and carbon
monoxide level in an occupied passenger compartment of a vehicle
includes sensors for sensing carbon monoxide levels, temperature,
and occupants in the passenger compartment. A controller receives
input from the sensors, and activates an electric heater or an
electric cooler to bring the temperatures within the passenger
compartment within a predetermined temperature range if the
temperature detected within the passenger compartment falls outside
of the predetermined range of temperatures. The controller may
automatically shut off the engine of the vehicle when the vehicle
is in idle and the carbon monoxide level within the passenger
compartment falls above a predetermined level, or if a transmission
lever of the vehicle is placed in a park position. A motor
generator unit coupled to the engine provides electricity to
rechargeable batteries of an alternate power unit, which powers the
electric heater and the electric cooler.
Inventors: |
Berkson; Bruce Richard (Sedona,
AZ) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Berkson; Bruce Richard |
Sedona |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
N4 INNOVATIONS, LLC
(Scottsdale, AZ)
|
Family
ID: |
55583915 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/861,883 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160090958 A1 |
Mar 31, 2016 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
62071519 |
Sep 25, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H
1/008 (20130101); F02N 11/0833 (20130101); B60H
1/00978 (20130101); F02N 2200/0803 (20130101); Y02T
10/40 (20130101); F02N 11/04 (20130101); F02N
2200/08 (20130101); G01N 33/004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F02N
11/08 (20060101); B60H 1/00 (20060101); F02N
11/04 (20060101); G01N 33/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;123/179.4,179.13,198D,198DB,196S,196AB ;701/102,106,112,114 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Kwon; John
Assistant Examiner: Hoang; Johnny H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kelly & Kelley, LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/071,519, filed on Sep. 25, 2014.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for automatically adjusting a temperature in a
passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: a primary
alternator coupled to an engine of the vehicle and electrically
coupled to an engine starting battery of the vehicle; a motor
generator unit that generates electricity and is coupled to belts
of the engine in place of a mechanical air conditioning compressor;
an alternate power unit comprising rechargeable batteries
electrically coupled to the motor generator unit; an electric
cooler electrically coupled to both the alternate power unit and
the motor generator unit such that when the engine is running
electricity is received from the motor generator unit, and when the
engine is not running electricity is received from the alternate
power unit; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the
passenger compartment; and a controller operably connected to the
temperature sensor for monitoring and controlling the temperature
within the passenger compartment, and further operably connected to
the engine of the vehicle; wherein if the temperature within the
passenger compartment falls outside of a predetermined range of
temperatures, the controller activates a heater or the electric
cooler to bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment
within the predetermined temperature range.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein electrically-powered lights and
accessories of the vehicle are electrically connected to and
receive electricity from the alternate power unit and the motor
generator unit.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller automatically
starts the engine when levels of electrical charge in the batteries
of the alternate power unit are detected below a predetermined
level.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller automatically
shuts off the engine when a transmission lever of the vehicle is
placed in a park position.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the controller automatically
restarts the engine when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is
depressed.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor generator unit supplies
power to a crankshaft of the engine.
7. The system of claim 1, including a sensor operably connected to
the controller for sensing that a living occupant is within the
passenger compartment.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the living occupant sensor
comprises a motion detector or infrared sensor.
9. The system of claim 1, including a carbon monoxide sensor for
detecting carbon monoxide levels within the passenger compartment,
wherein the controller is operably connected to the carbon monoxide
sensor for monitoring carbon monoxide levels, and when the vehicle
is in idle and the carbon monoxide level within the passenger
compartment exceeds a predetermined level, the controller shuts off
the engine of the vehicle.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the engine starting battery is
used to only start the engine, and the primary alternator is
dedicated to supplying electricity to the engine starting
battery.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the heater comprises an electric
heater electrically connected to the alternate power unit and which
does not require the engine to be running to operate.
12. A system for automatically adjusting a temperature and carbon
monoxide level in an occupied passenger compartment of a vehicle,
comprising: a primary alternator coupled to an engine of the
vehicle; a battery electrically coupled to the primary alternator
for starting an engine of the vehicle; a motor generator unit for
generating electricity coupled to the engine in lieu of a
mechanical air conditioning compressor; an alternate power unit
comprised of rechargeable batteries electrically coupled to the
motor generator unit; a carbon monoxide sensor for sensing carbon
monoxide levels in the passenger compartment; a temperature sensor
for sensing the temperature in the passenger compartment; a living
occupant sensor for sensing that a living occupant is within the
passenger compartment; a controller operably connected to the
living occupant sensor, the carbon monoxide sensor and the
temperature sensor for monitoring the carbon monoxide levels and
the temperature within the passenger compartment, and further being
operably connected to the engine of the vehicle; wherein if the
temperature within the passenger compartment falls outside of a
predetermined range of temperatures, the controller activates a
heater or an electric cooler electrically coupled to the motor
generator unit and the alternate power unit, to bring the
temperature within the passenger compartment within the
predetermined temperature range; and wherein when the vehicle is in
idle and the carbon monoxide level within the passenger compartment
exceeds a predetermined level, the controller shuts off the engine
of the vehicle and activates a ventilation system that flushes
contaminated air from the passenger compartment.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller automatically
starts the engine when levels of electrical charge in the batteries
of the alternate power unit are detected below a predetermined
level.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the electric cooler is disposed
within an enclosure that is cooled by a low pressure refrigerant
line of the electric cooler at least partially disposed within the
enclosure, and wherein cool air from the enclosure is directed to
the alternate power unit, exhaust from a catalytic converter of the
vehicle or a forced cold air induction manifold of the engine.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller automatically
shuts off the engine when a transmission lever of the vehicle is
placed in a park position, and automatically restarts the engine
when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is depressed.
16. The system of claim 12 wherein the living occupant sensor
comprises a motion detector or infrared sensor.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the engine starting battery is
used to only start the engine, and the primary alternator is
dedicated to supplying electricity to the engine starting
battery.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the heater comprises an
electric heater electrically connected to the alternate power unit
and which does not require the engine to be running to operate.
19. A system for automatically adjusting a temperature in a
passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: a primary
alternator coupled to an engine of the vehicle and electrically
coupled to an engine starting battery of the vehicle; a motor
generator unit that generates electricity and is coupled to belts
of the engine in place of a mechanical air conditioning compressor;
an alternate power unit comprising rechargeable batteries
electrically coupled to the motor generator unit; an electric
cooler electrically coupled to both the alternate power unit and
the motor generator unit such that when the engine is running
electricity is received from the motor generator unit, and when the
engine is not running electricity is received from the alternate
power unit; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the
passenger compartment; and a controller operably connected to the
temperature sensor for monitoring and controlling the temperature
within the passenger compartment, and further operably connected to
the engine of the vehicle; wherein if the temperature within the
passenger compartment falls outside of a predetermined range of
temperatures, the controller activates a heater or the electric
cooler to bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment
within the predetermined temperature range; and wherein the
electric cooler is disposed within an enclosure that is cooled by a
low pressure refrigerant line of the electric cooler at least
partially disposed within the enclosure.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein electrically-powered lights and
accessories of the vehicle are electrically connected to and
receive electricity from the alternate power unit and the motor
generator unit.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the controller automatically
starts the engine when levels of electrical charge in the batteries
of the alternate power unit are detected below a predetermined
level.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein cool air from the enclosure is
directed to the alternate power unit.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein cool air from the enclosure is
directed to a power generating device appurtenant to the exhaust
from a catalytic converter of the vehicle or a forced cold air
induction manifold of the engine.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein the enclosure is configured to
shield electromagnetic signals and noise emissions.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein a high pressure refrigerant
line of the electric cooler is disposed outside of the
enclosure.
26. The system of claim 19, wherein the controller automatically
shuts off the engine when a transmission lever of the vehicle is
placed in a park position.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the controller automatically
restarts the engine when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is
depressed.
28. The system of claim 19, wherein the motor generator unit
supplies power to a crankshaft of the engine.
29. The system of claim 19, including a living occupant sensor for
sensing that a living occupant is within the passenger compartment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to vehicle HVAC and idle
reduction systems. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to a system for automatically adjusting the temperature
and carbon monoxide levels in an occupied passenger compartment of
the vehicle in order to protect occupants thereof, as well as
reducing unnecessary idling of the engine of the vehicle, while
providing hybrid electric drive power to the engine crankshaft.
Studies reveal that vehicles which idle for prolonged periods of
time, including, but not limited to, police vehicles, taxis,
limousines, construction and utility trucks, burn thousands of
gallons of fuel each year while idling. In many cases, idle times
exceed drive times. The resulting wasted fuel and added maintenance
costs are very high. It is well known in the trade that the damage
to diesel engines caused by piston slap that results from long
diesel engine idling is significant. As a result, costly diesel
engine rebuilds are frequently required for prolonged-idle
vehicles.
It has been found to be cost effective to develop idle reduction
strategies that turn off the engine any time the vehicle is at rest
and in a state of prolonged idle. However, experience has shown
drivers often won't voluntarily turn off their air conditioning or
heater when temperatures become uncomfortable and/or potentially
unsafe.
Drivers of prolonged-idle vehicles, including police, taxis,
limousines, construction and utility companies and the like, often
use their radios, lights, heaters, air conditioning and other
accessories while idling. These added accessories overload the
original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) 12-volt electric systems
and cause the batteries, starters and alternators to experience
extremely high failure rates. When the OEM electrical system is
also used to recharge an idle reduction system, idle reduction
system batteries and idle electric system failure also frequently
occurs. As a result, prolonged-idle vehicles with or without other
idle reduction systems are often left inoperable.
Police vehicles which idle to power their accessories pose a
significant security and safety risk when the vehicle must be left
running, particularly when the driver must exit the vehicle. Police
agencies have reported numerous accidental deaths of children, pets
and K9 officers who were inadvertently left unattended in
overheated vehicles.
Previous idle reduction systems and methods do not automatically
activate thermal or carbon monoxide occupant protection when a
passenger occupies the vehicle. Previous idle reduction systems and
methods do not integrate electric air conditioning or electric
space heating with the OEM HVAC systems. Previous idle reduction
systems typically exceed 12-volt electrical system capacities, and
do not provide autonomous charge-sustaining operation.
It is well known that the distributed electric infrastructure
required to recharge fleets of hybrid or electric vehicles is
virtually non-existent. It is also well known that the cost to
install large distributed electric recharging systems is extremely
expensive. Previous idle reduction systems do not provide
charge-sustaining operation, and previous vehicles using electric
air conditioning are susceptible to motor controller failure due to
high operating temperatures.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a system and method for
automatically monitoring and adjusting the temperature and carbon
monoxide level in an occupied passenger compartment of a vehicle.
There is also a continuing need for reducing prolonged idle states
of vehicles, while providing protection of the occupants of the
vehicle. There is also a continuing need for added power and fuel
efficiency derived from hybrid electric drive. The present
invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in a system for automatically
adjusting the temperature and carbon monoxide level in an occupied
passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system and method of the
present invention can also be used to prevent unnecessary engine
idling and provide fuel savings.
The system of the present invention generally comprises a sensor
for sensing carbon monoxide levels in the passenger compartment. A
sensor also senses the temperature in the passenger compartment.
Typically, at least one sensor also senses that a living occupant
is within the passenger compartment. A controller receives input
from the carbon monoxide sensor and the temperature and monitors
the carbon monoxide levels and the temperature within the passenger
compartment. If the temperature within the passenger compartment
falls outside of a predetermined range of temperatures, the
controller activates an electric heater or an electric cooler to
bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment within the
predetermined temperature range. When the vehicle is in idle and
the carbon monoxide level within the passenger compartment falls
above a predetermined level, the controller shuts off an engine of
the vehicle and activates the climate control system to flush out
the contaminated air from the passenger compartment.
The controller may automatically shut off the engine when a
transmission lever of the vehicle is placed in the park position.
The controller automatically restarts the engine when an
accelerator pedal of the vehicle is depressed. The engine may also
be manually restarted by the ignition switch.
In addition to a primary alternator coupled to the engine, a motor
generator unit that generates electricity is coupled to the engine,
in accordance with the invention. The motor generator unit may be
installed on the engine and coupled to belts of the engine in lieu
of the mechanical air conditioning compressor.
In addition to a battery electrically coupled to the primary
alternator for starting the engine of the vehicle, the present
invention provides an alternate power unit comprising rechargeable
batteries electrically coupled to the motor generator unit. The
electric heater and the electric cooler receive electricity from
either the alternate power unit or the motor generator unit.
Electrically-powered lights and accessories of the vehicle may also
receive electricity from either the alternate power unit or the
motor generator unit.
The controller automatically starts the engine when levels of
electrical charge in the batteries of the alternate power unit are
detected below a predetermined level.
The motor generator unit may supply power to a crankshaft of the
engine, such as when the batteries of the alternate power unit are
fully charged or when the batteries of the alternate power unit and
other electrically-powered lights and accessories of the vehicle do
not require the full capacity of the motor generator unit.
The electric cooler (compressor) is preferably disposed within an
enclosure that is cooled by a low pressure refrigerant line of the
electric cooler which is at least partially disposed within the
enclosure. The high pressure refrigerant line of the electric
cooler (compressor) is disposed outside of the enclosure. The cool
air from the enclosure may be directed to the alternate power unit,
to the motor controller of the compressor, to a power generating
device appurtenant to the exhaust from a catalytic converter of the
vehicle, or a forced cold air induction manifold of the engine. The
enclosure may be configured to shield electromagnetic signals and
noise emissions.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional engine
arrangement in accordance with the prior art which incorporates a
mechanical air conditioning compressor;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle having sensors detecting
conditions in an occupant occupied compartment thereof, in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration similar to FIG. 1, but
incorporating the present invention therein;
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a system embodying the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an electric air conditioning
cooler, embodying the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of an enclosure formed around
electric cooler components, in accordance with the present
invention; and
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating components of the system
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of
illustration, the present invention is directed to a system and
method for automatically adjusting environmental conditions,
including temperature and carbon monoxide levels, in an occupied
passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system and method of the
present invention can also reduce or even eliminate periods of
prolonged vehicle idling. The present invention can also prolong
the usable life of components of a conventional vehicle, and thus
result in cost savings due to maintenance, replacement of parts,
and fuel.
With reference now to FIG. 1, a conventional engine 10, typically
an internal combustion engine, is shown. The engine 10 includes an
engine block 12 having the typical pistons, crankshafts, camshafts,
and the like. An alternator 14 is typically mounted onto the engine
block and generates electricity for charging the vehicle's battery
16, typically a 12-volt battery. A mechanical air conditioning
compressor 18 is also mounted to, or otherwise associated with, the
engine 10 for creating cool air, as is known in the art. A system
of belts and pulleys 20 impart rotational energy from shafts of the
engine 10 to the alternator 14 and the mechanical air conditioning
compressor 18 in order to operate these components, as is known in
the art.
As is well known in the art, engines typically have a radiator 22
and a condenser 24 for thermal management of the engine and its
components.
In order to provide cool, conditioned air to the passenger
compartment of the vehicle, refrigerant, such as Freon.RTM., is
compressed by the mechanical air conditioning compressor 18 passed
through tubing 26 to an accumulator 28 where it is then passed to
an evaporator 30, where the evaporation of the compressed
refrigerant creates a thermal condition where cool air can be
generated. The evaporated refrigerant is then passed through tubing
32, through one or more orifices 34, a refrigerant charge tube 36,
and then onto the condenser 24, before being returned via tubing 38
to the mechanical air conditioning compressor 18.
Heated air is provided from heat generated by the engine and/or
radiator 22 and piped into the passenger compartment, through
filters, as desired.
In order to create and direct cooled or heated air into the
passenger compartment of the vehicle, the engine must be running.
Thus, there are many situations where when a vehicle is parked the
driver of the vehicle leaves the engine idling so as to maintain
the desired temperature within the passenger compartment of the
vehicle. This requires expenditure of fuel and the operation of the
aforementioned components. Moreover, in certain situations carbon
monoxide levels within the passenger compartment can become
elevated, posing a danger and threat to the occupants of the
passenger compartment, when the vehicle is idling.
With reference now to FIG. 2, a vehicle 40 is illustrated. It will
be appreciated that the vehicle 40 can comprise any type of
passenger vehicle, typically including an automobile in the form of
a car, truck, and the like. The vehicle 40 has therein a passenger
compartment 42 where the driver sits to operate the vehicle 40 and
passengers may be seated, as is well known.
In accordance with the present invention, one or more sensors 100
sense and detect parameters and conditions within the passenger
compartment 42. Such sensors include a sensor for sensing carbon
monoxide levels in the passenger compartment, a sensor for sensing
the temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a
sensor for detecting the presence of a living occupant within the
passenger compartment. The detection of a living occupant within
the passenger compartment 42 can be by means of a motion detector,
an infrared sensor, pressure sensors in the seats of the vehicle,
or any other sensor which could detect that an occupant is within
the passenger compartment 42 of the vehicle 40.
A controller 102 is operably connected to the one or more sensors
100. The controller 102 is also operably coupled to an electric
heating system 104 and an electric cooling system 106 embodying the
present invention. If the temperature within the passenger
compartment 42 is detected as falling outside of a predetermined
range of temperatures, the controller 102 activates either the
electric heating system 104 or the electric cooling system 106 to
bring the temperatures within the passenger compartment within the
predetermined temperature range. The controller 102 is also
operably connected to the engine 10 such that it can shut off the
engine when the sensors 100 detect that the carbon monoxide level
within the passenger compartment 42 falls above a predetermined
level. The controller 102 may also be used to shut off the engine
and prevent it from idling unnecessarily. The invention
contemplates the automatic restart of the engine, such as when the
driver depresses the gas pedal of the vehicle.
With reference now to FIG. 3, in accordance with the present
invention, various components of a conventional engine 10 are
changed, either at the time of manufacturing or as a process of
retrofitting the engine 10 to incorporate the system of the present
invention. In place of the mechanical air conditioning compressor
18, a motor generator unit 108 is installed. The motor generator
unit 108 may be attached to the engine 10 using the same bracket
provided with the mechanical air conditioning compressor 18, a
mounting bracket which is specific to the engine type, or a
universal bracket. It can be seen that the motor generator unit 108
is coupled to the belt system 20 of the engine. The motor generator
unit 108 generates electricity for charging rechargeable battery
cells of an alternate power unit 110. The motor generator unit 108
may comprise a second alternator.
The alternate power unit 110 is operably coupled to the controller
102, and electrically coupled to the motor generator unit 108. The
alternate power unit 110 is used to provide electricity to the
electric heating system 104 and the electric cooling system 106 of
the present invention. Preferably, electrically-powered lights and
other accessories of the vehicle 40 are also powered by the
alternate power unit 110. This enables the original equipment
manufacturing (OEM) battery 16 and alternator 14 to be dedicated to
starting the engine, and thus prolonging their usable lives.
When the battery cells of the alternate power unit 110 are fully
charged, the invention contemplates the motor generator unit 108
diverting power to the engine, such as a crankshaft of the engine,
so as to conserve fuel. As such, the motor generator unit 108 is
interactively connected to the alternate power unit, such as being
monitored and controlled by the controller 102, wherein it either
charges the APU or returns hybrid electric power back to the
crankshaft through an idler pulley belt, for example.
When an occupant of any type, size or weight is located within the
vehicle, which can include adults, children, or even pets, the
sensors 100 detect the presence of the occupants and automatically
activate the thermal climate control systems 104 and/or 106 of the
present invention. If the engine is running and the vehicle is
moving, the OEM heating system may be used to heat the passenger
compartment. This can also be the case when the vehicle is parked
and in idle, and the system of the present invention does not
detect abnormal levels of carbon monoxide and the engine is not
automatically shut off. However, in the case when the engine is
shut off, such as the present invention automatically shutting off
the engine to conserve fuel, such as when a transmission lever of
the vehicle is put into the park position, an electric heater 104
powered by the alternate power unit 110 may be used to provide
heat, as necessary, to the passenger compartment 42. For example,
electric heat strips may be placed in the heater vents and powered
by the alternate power unit (APU) 110.
With reference again to FIG. 3, as described above, the mechanical
air conditioning compressor which is conventionally used in engines
is removed and replaced with the motor generator unit (MGU) in
accordance with the present invention. Instead, an electric cooler
112, in the form of an electric air conditioning compressor
receives electric power from the alternating power unit 110 or
motor generator unit 108 and is operably controlled by the
controller 102 so as to automatically be activated when the
temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle falls above
a predetermined range of temperatures. The electric air
conditioning compressor 112 may utilize an infinitely variable
thermostat to adjust for passenger compartment temperature.
Preferably, a lower temperature limit is set, such as at 60.degree.
F., from the vent in order to prevent the refrigerant from reaching
its boiling point within the system.
The incorporation of the motor generator unit 108 and the electric
air conditioning compressor or cooler 112 requires a different
plumbing arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Tubing 38 extends
between the electric cooler 112 and the condenser 24. The electric
cooler 112 is fluidly coupled to the accumulator 28.
With reference now to FIG. 4, the electric cooler 112 and the
arrangement of the piping and tubing can be adjusted depending upon
the configuration and space parameters of each individual vehicle
and engine. In this case, the electric cooler or electric air
conditioning compressor 112 is disposed adjacent to the condenser
24. When retrofitting an existing engine, the air conditioning
refrigerant lines are properly drained and capped, while the
mechanical air conditioning compressor of the factory HVAC system
is removed and capped so that the MGU 108 can be installed in its
place. Thereafter, the air conditioning lines are rerouted to the
electric air conditioning compressor cooler 112, as illustrated and
described above.
With reference now to FIG. 5, an electric air conditioning
compressor cooler 112 is shown with its low pressure inlet line 114
and its high pressure outlet line 116 coupled thereto. It is known
that the low pressure inlet line 114 is cold, whereas the high
pressure outlet line 116 is relative hot. With reference now to
FIG. 6, the thermal dynamic differences between the inlet and
outlet lines 114 and 116 may be advantageously used in the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the electric air conditioning
compressor cooler 112 and at least a portion of the cold low
pressure inlet line or tube 114 are placed within an enclosure 118.
A seal 120 prevents cool air from leaving the enclosure 118 where
the inlet line 114 passes therein, and another seal 122 is disposed
where the high pressure outlet line 116 exits the enclosure 118, to
prevent heat from transferring into the enclosure 118. The air is
automatically cooled within the enclosure 118, due to the passing
of air over the cold low pressure inlet line 114.
Temperature-sensitive components, such as the controller 102 can be
placed within the enclosure 118 to improve their operation and
longevity and reliability.
With reference now to FIG. 7, the enclosure 118 is disposed around
tubing and components of the cooling system which provide cool air
within the enclosure 118. Instead of placing temperature-sensitive
components within the enclosure 118, which may not be practical,
fans 124, or pumps or other air moving devices, can transport cool
air from the enclosure 118 to temperature-sensitive components. For
example, the battery cells of the alternate power unit can be
temperature sensitive and operate more reliably and efficiently at
a cooler temperature. Thus, cool air is pushed by fan 124 through
tubing 126 to the alternate power unit 110. The alternate power
unit, or at least the rechargeable battery cells thereof, may be
encased in its own enclosure where the cool air is piped into.
Alternatively, or additionally, the cool air from the enclosure 118
may be transferred, such as via tubing 128, to another location 134
for advantageous use in the vehicle's operation, such as a power
generating device appurtenant to the exhaust from a catalytic
converter of the vehicle such that the exhaust exiting the vehicle
is more environmentally friendly and contributes less to the
greenhouse environmental effects, or to a forced cold air induction
manifold of the engine, or the like.
The enclosure 118 may be placed in any convenient location around
the cold low pressure refrigerant lines at any point to be
optimally determined and located, such as around the accumulator,
between the evaporator accumulator 28, between the evaporator core
30 and the low pressure inlet line of the electric air conditioning
compressor 112, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The cold air from the
enclosure 118 may also be used to partial motive power a Sterling
Cycle Engine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,808,118, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference herein. The enclosure 118
may also serve to shield components therein from electromagnetic
signals and audible noise emissions generated by operation of the
vehicle. A secondary controller can be disposed within the
enclosure 118, as illustrated in FIG. 6, to provide system control
redundancy and improve reliability.
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for
purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended
claims.
* * * * *